Watford Fringe – Humdinger Words for Whippersnappers and Guttersnipes

This is an interactive comedy-cabaret poetry show for curious kids and their grown-ups, led by neurospicy stage hypnotist-turned-school teacher Ben Dali. Framed as a school day with an unusually entertaining supply teacher, it’s a fast-paced, imaginative hour packed with sharp wordplay, mind-blowing trivia, visual gags and improvised rhyming magic.

Each section introduces a different poetic style, idea or activity based around elements of the Key Stage 2-3 curriculum. There’s a joyful exploration of the English language’s greatest ‘Humdinger Words’, a rhyming balloon-modelling tutorial, and a visual comedy sequence comparing country outlines to Minecraft, Pokémon and Gen Alpha’s favourite memes. Along the way, Dali draws on his background in hypnosis and mentalism to create moments of genuine surprise, delivered in playful, accessible ways.

The show is highly interactive, with opportunities for audiences to respond, contribute and get involved throughout (no pressure or obligation though). It builds to a supportive show-and-tell segment, where children are invited to perform their own short poems in a low-pressure, encouraging environment.

Designed to entertain first and foremost, the show also draws on classroom experience to encourage creativity, confidence and curiosity about language. The tone is mischievous but age-appropriate, with humour working on multiple levels for children and accompanying adults.

Playful, inventive and inclusive, Humdinger Words for Whippersnappers & Guttersnipes offers a lively introduction to poetry as something to be enjoyed, performed and shared.

Run-time: 1 hour apprx

Age suitability: 7+

Access: This event takes place Cabaret 1908 which is lift accessible. Companion tickets are available. Please find more information here. If you  have any access needs to make us aware of, please contact us via 01923 225 671 or [email protected].